Leading with Courage in an Environment of Fear
A great leader can manoeuvre any organisation towards success. The question is then, what makes a leader great? One element that would always be included in my list is COURAGE - the virtue that strengthens all virtues.
Courage is often defined as the ‘mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.’ Aristotle defined courage as the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others. It is the quality that distinguishes the great leaders from the good leaders.
Leaders who lack courage may have low self-esteem. They often have difficulty speaking their truth in power because they are afraid to look bad in the eyes of their peers and external critics. Courageous leaders, on the other hand, are not afraid to take risks. They have a calm inner conviction about who they are and their ability to get the things they want and need in life.
Courageous leaders lead with strong principles that guide them in whatever direction they take. They don’t need the praises and affirmation of others to feel good about themselves, nor do they shrink in the face of criticism. Their boldness engages their teams, energises customers, and positions their companies as strategic leader in the business world.
What about you? Are you a courageous leader?
Here are some tips to develop this important virtue:
- Make a list of the things you’ve accomplished in your life; recapture the feelings of achievement.
- Examine the causes of your lack of courage. Identify your fears.
- Move on quickly from failures by seeing them as learning opportunities.
- Appreciate yourself. Envision yourself as competent, articulate, and poised.
- Practice being courageous.
- Develop your Emotional Intelligence.
Remember this: great companies can only be built with bold decisions. Lead your organisation to success by developing the virtue of courage.
In the work I do to develop 21st Century Neuroleaders, courage is developed as a key pillar of Collaboration. Leading with courage engages your team, energises your customers, and positions your organisation as a leader in the business world.
Have a great week…you deserve it!
Cheers Grant
